Arsenal could be encouraged to make a move for Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld after the player’s father confirmed that he will be leaving the club this summer, the Metro reports.

The north London outfit have reportedly turned to the Belgian international following the departure of skipper Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona last week as Arsene Wenger hopes to make a fresh addition to his side for the upcoming season.

And amid growing rumours about the Belgian’s future, his dad has revealed that the player is heading for the exit door at Atletico.

“Toby wants to play. A transfer is the best option,” Vic Alderweireld told Het Nieuwsblad.

“We have had several discussions on this issue and Atletico understand and believe it makes no sense for Toby to have another year on the bench.”

Atletico are reportedly looking to receive a fee of around £10 million for the centre-back-cum-right-back, though both Liverpool and Tottenham have also previously declared an interest in landing his signature.